14 - Temperance
Note: This guide is based on the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. Other tarot decks may have unique meanings, or some of these meanings may not apply.
| Upright Keywords: | Patience, balance, moderation, best of both worlds |
| Reversed Keywords: | Excess, extremes, impulsive behavior, competing interests |
An angelic figure with golden hair and red wings stands at the center of the card. Their robes are white, adorned with an upright yellow triangle on the chest. They are pouring water from one golden cup to another. Their feet are bare, with one resting on land and the other dipping into a pond or stream.
In the background, a field of yellow irises grows. A path leads from the pond to mountains off in the distance where the sun is rising. The sun's rays are stylized similarly to a golden crown. The sky is a light gray.
In Readings: Upright
The card Temperance references the Christian virtue of temperance, having to do with moderation, modesty, and patience. Someone who embodies temperance shows restraint in all matters, resisting temptation and pride.
Receiving this card in the upright position may indicate someone who already embodies these qualities. They may be a competent manager or someone capable of keeping the peace. On the other hand, if advice is being sought, this card would suggest that these are the behaviors and ideals the subject should strive to in order to attain their goals.
Card Combinations:
Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.
The Tower: It's all going to hit the fan, but you can't lose it. Take the high road.
Seven of Wands: You'll need to measure your words carefully if you're going to win this particular argument.
Ten of Pentacles, reversed: When the certain future crumbles in front of you, turn to someone reliable and understanding for advice.
Ace of Cups, reversed: A dry spell isn't an excuse to make rash decisions.
In Readings: Reversed
When placed in reverse, the prudence shown by Temperance becomes impulsive and extreme. Bad habits, addiction, and imbalance are key features.
This card may indicate someone who has given in to temptation or who is acting in their own interests, rather than keeping peace. An action, vice, or belief may be taken to excess. If taken as a warning, this card could suggest that the subject needs to rein themselves in or risk becoming trapped in a guilty cycle. However, this card could more simply suggest that two things are incompatible, incapable of being brought into harmony with each other.
Card Combinations
Suggestions for possible meanings of this card when combined with others.
Page of Cups, reversed: Beware the seducer.
Three of Wands: Someone has become so caught up in their own mind and predicting what's to come that they've forgotten to think about their surroundings.
Justice, reversed: Bribes are an effective, if unethical, way to sway someone in your favor.
The Hermit: Even introspection can be a vice if you're using it to avoid your responsibilities.
Other Perspectives
Thoughts from: Contributor Name
Contributor's thoughts here.
Thoughts from: Contributor Name
Contributor's thoughts here.